I understand that OTAs are not actual practices and players aren't wearing pads and there's no hitting, but...

I still can't figure out why a guy like Duane Brown, who stands to make many millions over the course of his career, would risk getting injured during OTA's.

Am I crazy? I mean the O-lineman and D-lineman are coming in contact with each other, right? The one-on-one drills seem like they might very well lead to a strain at the very least or a tear at worst .

I understand that OTAs are not actual practices and players aren't wearing pads and there's no hitting, but...

I still can't figure out why a guy like Duane Brown, who stands to make many millions over the course of his career, would risk getting injured during OTA's.

Am I crazy? I mean the O-lineman and D-lineman are coming in contact with each other, right? The one-on-one drills seem like they might very well lead to a strain at the very least or a tear at worst .

Am I missing something?

This is how I figure it....

- The more you participate in OTAs, the more you are likely to know going into training camp.

- The more you know going into training camp, the higher you are likely to be on the depth chart. ...all other things (fitness, effort, injuries, etc) being equal

- The higher you are on the depth chart, the more money you are likely to command when contract time comes - unless you're a top-5/top-10 pick, which Brown is not.